Companies across Northern Ireland are being urged to support this year's Small Business Saturday event.

And consumers have been urged to "shop small" in order to back independent businesses across Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) launched the campaign to help boost the fortunes of retailers across the province.

Last year, 16.5 million people went out to support a business on Small Business Saturday, while two-thirds of people said they were aware of the scheme, which takes place on December 5 as the public gets ready for the big Christmas shopping rush.

Glyn Roberts, chief executive of NIIRTA, said: "While Small Business Saturday is all about showcasing our fantastic local small businesses, it is also crucial that consumers go the extra mile by shopping with local independent retailers on December 5, throughout the Christmas period and beyond.

"Independent retailers are making a serious comeback in Northern Ireland and offer something different to multiple retailers, making our town centres that bit more diverse."

Chris Suitor, owner of Suitor Menswear, said Small Business Saturday helped celebrate "the jobs, investment and services small businesses provide for us all" and was also "a beacon to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs, which is so vital to the future of our local economy".